John Tory visits auto-body shop to tout programs helping young people find jobs

John Tory dropped by Brimell Group Paint and Collision Center on Sheppard Avenue East Monday, to meet with young adults from the Alternative Youth Centre for Employment’s auto-body apprenticeship program, and to clean a car’s headlight. Mr. Tory wanted to show support for programs that help young adults find jobs.

Wearing a black apron, baseball cap and safety goggles Mr. Tory used an electronic buffer to shine the headlight, with direction from one of the apprentices.

Later he spoke to the young workers and asked them how they were enjoying the program and if they had an interest in cars.

Mr. Tory said he has no experience in auto work. His brother likes to collect old cars, he noted, adding, “I’m not even a car person.”

“To me it’s just about coming to see this program and really showing my support for it and show my support for taking action to help young people get jobs, because that’s a big problem in our city right now,” he said.

Tyrone David, a 22-year-old student, said he’s not really following the municipal election but he wanted to “see what [John Tory] was all about.”

Mr. Tory, saying 20% of Toronto youth are out of work, wants to encourage local businesses to offer similar programs. “I think that’s what the mayor is supposed to do in order to get down what is an unacceptably high level of youth unemployment in Toronto.”

These pre-apprenticeship program, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities offers free training for young adults aged 18 to 30.